Newbie needing help. Xduoo xd 05 vs Smsl m6.

[Ritchie Baxter]

I'm after a dac/amp to use with my android and also my ps4 via optical to be used with my cans. I don't think smsl m8 has headphone amp so that's not a option.

For the money I figured I'll choose a xduoo xd 05 or a smsl m6.

The majority of features are the same on both devices but which one has the better sound?

On paper I like both. Except im not sure I like the xduoo power sorce being battery only.

Anyone used both?

I just want a good desktop or portable dac/headphone amp that only needs to be transferred around the house, so portability is not a huge factor.

Smsl and xduoo seem best options for under £150

I'm open to other options too if you nice people can help me choose the best bang for buck at £150

Let me know what you guys think or recommendations

Regards Rick.

 

[PENG]

I would definitely go with the XD-05 but be aware that it is tricky to get it to work with dsd256 using Foobar, no issue with JRiver if you want to play files from your PC using usb. I have not used the smsl so my comments are based on my Google research and specs to price ratio only.

Not sure what you meant by battery only. Yes you need the battery but you can have it plug in to the charger all the time with no negative effects.

 

[Ritchie Baxter]

I won't be using foobar anyway. I will probably use neutron player on my android.

I have read that keeping the xduoo plugged in to the mains does have negative impact in time. I'm not sure why though. That's the only reason why I mentioned battery only use.
Maybe it's false info I read. That would be great.
Anyway thx for fast reply. Defiantly faster then hifi-org

 

[PENG]

I won't be using foobar anyway. I will probably use neutron player on my android.

I have read that keeping the xduoo plugged in to the mains does have negative impact in time. I'm not sure why though. That's the only reason why I mentioned battery only use.
Maybe it's false info I read. That would be great.
Anyway thx for fast reply. Defiantly faster then hifi-org

Those are probably internet forum talks, sometimes right sometime not. I have been using mine that way for almost a year now. The battery is still holding well. I do try to disconnect it when not using it but often forgot. A few time I also forgot to turn it off with the charger disconnected so it got drained completely a few time. That, generally is something to avoid.

I have another portable, the Mojo, both sound great, no difference to me.

There are some good reads here:

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries